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Chemical Stress Test

Definition

A stress test is used to make sure the heart muscles are able to get enough blood when the heart rate and workload are increased. To do this, your heart needs to be looked at during a period of rest and then again during a period of increased activity. A chemical stress test uses chemical agents injected into the body through the vein. These chemicals make the heart function as if it were under stress.

There are many different ways to examine the heart during a stress test. The heart can be examined with:

Reasons for Test

A chemical stress test is used when a
traditional stress test
(called a cardiac stress test) cannot be done. A cardiac stress test requires you to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle until your heart rate reaches a level where your heart is stressed. You may not be able to participate in this test if you have certain conditions, such as:

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. If you are planning to have this test, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Irregular heartbeat

Heart attack—rare

Technicians will be checking for signs of heart or lung problems. They will be prepared to take action right away if complications develop. A cardiologist (heart specialist) will also be available during the test.

Description of Test

You will lie down on a table. A technician will place electrodes on your chest. Your resting blood pressure and ECG readings will be taken. An IV will be placed in your arm. You will be hooked up to a heart monitor that will record your heart’s activity. Your blood pressure and heart rate will be checked often. A small amount of chemical will be injected through the IV and into your body. Depending on which chemical is used, your heart will beat faster and/or the blood vessels near your heart will open wider. An ECG may also be done at this time.

If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, or any other symptoms, report them right away. The test may need to be stopped. Changes in the ECG may also be a reason to stop the test.

If you are getting nuclear imaging, the technician will inject a mildly radioactive chemical through your IV. Thirty to sixty minutes after the chemical injection, a special camera or an MRI will be used to track the flow of the chemical through and around your heart. Images will be taken to find areas of the heart that may not be getting enough blood or are blocked. If you are getting a stress echocardiogram, an ultrasound will be taken at specific time points. The pictures of your heart under stress will be compared with pictures of your heart at rest.

After Test

Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be monitored until levels return to normal. You will be able to leave after the test is done.

How Long Will It Take?

Typically takes 3-4 hours to complete (may be done over 1-2 days)

Will It Hurt?

No, you should not feel pain during the test. You may feel a pinch when the IV is inserted. You may also feel a flushing sensation when the medication is injected.

Results

Your doctor may discuss some of the results on the same day as the test. It may take 2-3 days for the full results to be ready.

One or more of the following are considered a positive stress test:

ECG changes that show low oxygen supply to the heart

Significant blood pressure drops or rhythm changes

You have chest pain or trouble breathing, especially if linked with ECG changes

Stress test pictures that show areas of your heart having low blood flow or abnormal movements

A positive test may mean that you have CAD. Not everyone tests positive for it. Based on your results, your doctor may recommend more tests or care.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Racing or irregular heart beat

Lightheadedness or weakness

Any other unusual symptoms or concerns

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.